It surveyed landlords, agents, tenants and lodgers - with 76 responses. It also gathered evidence from organisations in the sector.

Survey responses and organisations suggested checks were not being carried out uniformly but were directed at certain individuals, said the JCWI.

Some tenants had been charged handling fees for their landlords to carry out mandatory checks, the JCWI said.

'Unclear immigration status'

In other cases landlords "passed the cost of a potential fine on to the tenant" in increased rents or deposits.

The JCWI said the trial was during the "quietest seasonal period for new private residential lettings" so the impact of rules at a busier time could not be foreseen.

Saira Grant, the JCWI's legal and policy director, wanted the scheme to be scrutinised by Parliament before a national rollout.

She said: "Our evaluation shows direct discrimination by landlords against those legally here, but with complicated or unclear immigration status. These checks are leading to increased racial profiling."

The Race Equality Foundation added: "The Right to Rent checks system gravely concerns us. We risk bringing back widespread discrimination."

The Home Office said the policy was "never targeted at people with a lawful right to be in the UK".

A spokeswoman said: "Landlords are advised to check and record identity documents for all new tenants. Anyone who discriminates would be breaking the law.

"An expert consultative panel, which includes the Equality and Human Rights Commission, as well as representatives of landlords and letting agents, is advising on the implementation of the first phase of the scheme."